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Monday, February 20, 2012

I am not the biggest milk fan, so it is rare that I drink it.I try every once in a while to drink milk and my body loves it.I see my hair shiny and my nails start to grow really long and look beautiful. But I can tell when I am lacking calcium when I see strands of my hair starting to fall out and my nails breaking.

I guess it’s true. Our bodies need calcium. The problem is, regular milk does not agree with my stomach.So I try alternatives. Farmland Dairies Skim Plus is pretty good. It is skim milk which means fat free. Some people complain and say skim milk is too watery, but I like the way it tastes.Yet still, I am only a milk fan so often. Our bodies tend to let us know that we are not nourishing it with the proper amounts of calcium when we don’t love it enough. Especially for me because as a woman, I lose calcium every time mother nature calls me to menstruate.And so, it needs to be replenished a lot more than I even desire to drink milk.

I’m not a pill person. I get drowsy even when I take non-drowsy medicine.I don’t like that when I swallow a pill, it can sit in my esophagus for a long time without being digested. So I try not to take even Aspirin.Many can handle a Calcium pill and be fine, but me, it is just not my cup of tea. And so, I tried another alternative. SoDelicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk.Turtle Mountain named it exactly right because it is delicious.Yet still, not a milk person and so one 64 oz container can last me about two months because I do not really drink it as much as I should.

But then, I found a solution.There’s a drink that I tried that I think has solved all my problems.I like juice and Silk Fruit & Protein All Natural Juice Blend Mango Peach is just that.It provides 20% of calcium in each serving and 5 grams of nourishing soy protein.

It smells like natural peach. It is a cream colored drink. It is a good source of protein. Silk Fruit & Protein All Natural Juice Blend Mango Peach provides an excellent source of calcium & Vitamin D. What I love is that it is a natural soy product which means that it is lactose-free & dairy-free. It is like drinking milk but in a juice format and it tastes pretty good

What I don’t like too much is that it contains only 20% juice. I am used to drinking 100% juices which is made of mostly fruit without the added sugars.In a one quart container, Silk Fruit & Protein All Natural Juice Blend Mango Peach contains 24grams of sugar.Yet still, my body needs calcium and if this can be the source, it is not such a bad way to get it all in.

Whenever I go to the market to buy food, I do the crazy thing of checking the label to see how many calories are in a product and how many calories from fat it contains.If a product contains more than 30% of fat from calories, I put it down because that is too much fat in the product.Silk Fruit & Protein All Natural Juice Blend Mango Peach is 150 calories with 15 of those calories being from fat.That means it only has 10% of fat in it. Not bad for a healthy drink.

Some say milk is best to drink in the morning. I like to drink juice any time that I get the thirst for it.Silk Fruit & Protein All Natural Juice Blend Mango Peach quenches my desire for juice and also nourishes my bones and builds my body up on Vitamin C & Vitamin D, like milk would. Perhaps breakfast is not so bad to have a drink like this. But for me, after my hard day at work and when it is late, like tonight, I am having it as part of my dinner with a cup of granola.

Anytime is good I guess. I am actually glad my aunt decided to share this product with me.She hooked me up with something that my body really needed and that I actually really like.I think I might be able to handle drinking some maybe every other day. Not so bad for a person who rarely drinks milk at all; especially since my body needs calcium. Happy drinking!!!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

I see you decided to surround yourself by some more the beauties of the great city of New York by visiting downtown Manhattan.

You might have chanced the moment by taking a few snapshots of the Wall Street bull on Broadway. Or maybe you found yourself calm and centered while viewing the entire city through the crown of the Statue of Liberty.

I am sure the journey on that ferry to and fro was simply incredible. And nothing beats the visions of romance that presents itself with the beautiful NYC night sky view from the South Street Seaport.

But now your shift begins to focus.You have been on your feet visiting, snapping pictures and having a joyous time with your friends, family or whoever you have come to the big apple with.Now your mind turns on food and you are not sure which of the many cafes, bars or restaurants you should go to being that Water Street and the surrounding areas has so many.

After working so hard to see all the sites, it fits the occasion to get the best of the best of meals that New York has to offer. Here’s an idea! Why not make it a Cabana night?

Cabana is located at 89 South Street on Pier 17 in New York. It is only 10 minute walk from the bull or Battery Park. Where Water Street and Fulton Street meets is where all the fun and excitement begins.

Surrounding the area where this wonderful restaurant stands, you will see a number of shops as you approach it, which include Abercrombie, The Coach Store and Anne Taylor, a museum, a few bars, pubs and eateries, the sites and views of the ocean and a mall.On the third floor of that mall is the doorway to one of the most incredible Cuban restaurants in New York.

If you get the opportunity, take some time to visit Cabana. You have the option of sitting indoors or outdoors where you can feel the sexy breezes of New York, see visions of ships cruising down the ocean and view the closeness of the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge.You can take some awesome pictures there; especially at night when the skyline is so pretty.

Wherever you sit, the staff is constantly checking on you to make sure you are alright. I have to commend the speed of service. They are there to assist you when you need them, the food or drinks you order come with quickness and you are never left without service, in case you should need anything.

The drinks are pretty good.They have cocktails, frozen drinks and also pitchers of drinks like red or white Sangria should you want a good alcoholic drink. As far as the food, the menu has so many different selections to choose from; lots of seafood dishes and everything is delicious.

I have to say that Cabana is one of my favorites.They always receive a rapturous response for each of my dining experience because I never cease to enjoy myself when I go there.

Cabana is a great place for any occasion; after-work with friends and co-workers, with the family or even for a date.I would definitely recommend Cabana.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

I just love the convenience of Seamless. It is one of the many Apps that I currently use on my IPHONE.To use it, you simply log in, put in the location and zip code from where you are and a list of restaurants in the surrounding area populates. You choose which restaurant you are interested in ordering from and you are on your way to a simple ordering for delivery transaction.

I just found out about this App and have since used it a number of times.The Kensington section of Brooklyn has many genres of cuisine to choose from. But lately I have found my interest falling on Mexican food. I went to Mexico before and the cuisine there was so appealing that it has never left my palette. It is a choice of food that I will always enjoy.

Through Seamless, I discovered Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant. I have lived in Kensington for such a long time and sadly, it took many years and also modern technology to discover Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant.

The food is excellent. They have so many different selections to choose from which include salads, beef platters, seafood platters, vegetarian platters and more. My favorite dish from there so far is the fried pork chop with the pico de gallo. I could have the pico de gallo by itself which is a spicy oil-based sauce with chopped tomatoes, garlic and peppers. The rice and refried beans that comes with the servings are simply divine.Their empanadas, fried chicken and guacamole are pretty good also. Selections on the menu lead me to go to the restaurant in person just out of curiosity. Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant is a restaurant that I only ordered from via an application, but boy was I surprised to see the beautiful oasis that was inside of this lovely restaurant.

The restaurant is located at 805 Coney Island Avenue between Cortelyou Road and Dorchester Road. The B68 stops directly in front of it and the Cortelyou Rd Q train subway stops about five short blocks away. There is plenty of street parking available.

The staff is so welcoming as they greet you upon entering into their establishment. The area looks so clean and beautiful. There are tables available for small and large parties. There is a small dance floor adjacent to the bar where they serve drinks like Sangria.

When I first ordered from here, I thought the pricing was a little bit much because it was simply an on-line ordering thing. But when I found out Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant was a real sit-down restaurant that you can bring family, go with friends, or a date, I understood the logic.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have lunch specials that can accommodate workers from the nearby business in the afternoon when they are able to have their breaks. And for dinner, you can just come and sit in one of their nicely painted chairs and spend under $20 for a decent meal. When I say decent, I mean, more food than you might even be able to eat in one sitting. Each dish comes with rice and refried beans. The restaurant also caters and hosts special events like weddings and birthday parties which could be a lot of fun when it is enhanced with the sounds of a real live Mariachi band.

The ambiance is great.I love the décor; very nice presentation outside and inside. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to friends and loved ones. Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant offers a variety of great foods at an average dinner price and is located in the up-and-coming neighborhood Kensington where thriving businesses are situating themselves and doing big things.Come and check it out for yourself.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

The New York Giants scored a victory in Indianapolis on February 5, 2011, and became the Superbowl XLVI champions against the New England Patriots 21-17.

It was a great game. Superbowl XLVI was introduced with a wonderful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner performed by Kelly Clarkson. Much excitement filled the air as the two teams gathered on the field ready to taste victory.

Victor Cruz scored the first touchdown giving NY fans hope that the win would be for the Giants.23-year-old NY Giants Defensive End, Jason Pierre-Paul was constantly being spoken of in high regards for his ability to bat down passes with his athletic stances. Cameras shifted to his blind father who came down from Haiti just to represent for his son.I know he was proud to be able to witness his incredible work on the field.

But spirits began to wander as the Giants began to fumble on defense a little bit and the NE Patriots scored a touchdown right before halftime bringing the score to NE 10 and NY 9.Everyone knew that it would be a fight to the finish, but nobody thought it would be this close.

Watching the game was like a rush of adrenaline. It was like watching an action-packed film, with no dead air featured in it. And the commercials were hilarious.Doritos commercial with the dog won my vote for the best commercial. Second place would be the Chevy commercial with the graduate thinking his parents bought him the yellow car. LOL; Too funny!!!

The Bridgestone Superbowl XLVI Halftime Show featured Grammy Award Winning artist, Madonna. Her performance was very lively as she sang songs that touched hearts of fans who loved her old music and for audiences who enjoy the new songs that she sings. Some of the selections performed included Vogue, Music and Like a Prayer and had featured artists which included Nikki Minaj and Cee-Lo Green.

New England won the coin toss at the beginning of the game which guaranteed them possession of the ball after halftime. NE Patriots Quarterback Aaron Hernandez scored a touchdown in the beginning of the third quarter bringing the score up to Giants 9 Patriots 17. Yet, The NY Giants were able to come back to win the XLVI Superbowl Championship by four points and made head coach Tom Coughlin proud. Quarterback Eli Manning was named MVP making this his second MVP title with his first being in the 2008 Superbowl.

The New York Giants once again taste the victory. They are the 2012 world champions. Go New York, Go New York, Go. We did it!!!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

According to the rules of society, we are intended to make a living in order to survive.We strive to do better and we work harder. As time continues to move, some never see design flaws in work, work, work and no play. They just seem to cooperate fully, even on days when the clouds usher in.

Even on the road to success, we might need to take a mid-day reconstruction of ourselves. Perhaps some get it by indulging in quiet moments of reflection and meditation. There is nothing wrong with taking time out for yourself, to give yourself the truest love that you deserve.

Sure your calling in life might be running the mission and being in charge of something important; so our priorities become honoring our occupational duties. But it is also our duty to feel the little momentary pleasures of honoring our temples. Here are some suggestions for that might compel you to take a taste of the wild side and change the rules; even just a little bit.

No Cell Phones or Blackberry’s

at the Dinner Table

Set dinner time for the necessary conversationals that are important in the learning cycles of the individual characters within your own family. How can you actually find time to answer the 100,000 calls you get while talking at the dinner table?How is it possible to continuously be answering texts while trying to find out about the day of another person? Almost seems impossible right?

Even in the short period of time that dinner requires, you find out something new about somebody you thought you knew pretty well. Yet, people seem different from a distance when you only have time to perhaps say good morning and good night to your loved ones. Put that cell phone or blackberry away until dinner is over and acknowledge that the other people you are eating with are actually there. Talking at the dinner table is not only good for the soul but it is also a moment of honoring the people you love, giving the relationships you have a whole new meaning.

So you work hard and never seem to acknowledge or reward yourself for all the busting you do. We work through monster headaches. We still have a pile of work on our desks to complete when we are feeling turbulence in our emotions. We still have to face our clients with our new hardships that seem to come up every day. We know we are doing the right thing, but we are left feeling like a person being scalded while brewing meth.

So you come home from a hard day of work.Why not fill up the tub with steaming hot water, soothing bath salts or bubble bath and maybe some roses.Many florists get new bunches of flowers daily and the petals that have fallen off the fresh flowers, they simply throw out.Instead of letting this good stock of petals go to waste, why not go claim them for free or for a small cost, and add them to your bath.And while you are laying there soaking away the wear and tear, find some added peace and solemnity to the experience by putting on some of the world’s greatest jazz sounds.

I don’t know about you but music moves me everywhere. Listening to the musical appeal of Miles Davis adds intensely rich color to my day. His instrumental compositions are like delicate ballads of magic floating in the air. Yet, that is one of the musicians that I admire that you may not have that same level of interest in.Maybe your listening desire is music from the group A Taste of Honey or the Beatles. Or perhaps, you would prefer to listen to CNN radio or an audio book. Whatever listening delights you have, the harmony of the spa-like bath and the listening experience is definitely a great help in changing that grasp on reality.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

The pull of gravity often leaves us sitting at our desks working the entire period that is reserved for lunch. We may never acknowledge that we have this period of evolution that we can use to open up our lives in other ways. Have you ever taken a taste of the rising trend that has people mystified by its force?

What is it you might ask; walking. Sometimes we need to be able to stretch our legs and move every muscle just to have that sanity necessary to complete the rest of the day. Perhaps we feel that to work straight through the day is to establish an aura of professionalism even when its functionalities characterize us as a robot. But what is wrong with taking out a moment to enjoy Spiritual quietude while we move our feet to the melody of the wind?

Now, I’m not suggesting that you take a walk to the stores around the neighborhood and to become a heavy buyer. The expanse of space of increased excitement might be a tremendous help in not only keeping us physically robust but in defensively rebounding our own minds and bodies. By working up a sweat to relieve the built up stressors of the morning, it might ac tually enable us to jump back into the swing of things and to do a better job in the afternoon because we had time to think about what we are doing and how we are doing it.

Taste the Pages

Maybe you could change your thoughts for a minute.I understand you want to keep your mind on work all the time. Your work has become like the Dogon’s star Potolo; your mind, body and spirit simply revolves around your job and nothing else. But, it is the weekend.Are you telling me that you can’t make some time to think about anything else in this world?Well how about a good book?

All react equally when they read a book.They have a thought about the author and what he or she has written.They have an opinion about the story.They have something that is worthy of talking about.

With the vast array of stories and topics the world has to offer, finding a good read is almost as tasty as a decadent creamy cake. Looks as good as the ingredients that were mixed together to make it what it is. Satisfies the stomach rather well. Yet, you know it is not something you can have all the time because of your lifestyle. But every once in a while won't hurt. Opening up a book every once in a while won't hurt either. Might actually feel read good to indulge into something different, even for a short while.

Shhh! I’m on a Call

It is crazy but I know that in trying to be that person who does all the right things and never falters, we also become a people who never have a free moment of solitude to ourselves. And so, everything is piled up in our hearts and in our minds and we simply carry them through our every moment and every day.

Have you ever tried meditation?You should you know. It is such a fulfilling experience.

Consider this. Out of everything in the world, the only thing that remains constant is the quiet of our minds.How many times can you actually claim that you have had quiet of mind? I mean, not thinking of any of the forces of our nature?

Meditation is a great practice. There is no one right way of doing it.But the goal for any meditation is to find focus to taste peace of mind and relieve the tension of it.

Some read a quote, Biblical scripture or proverb and try to focus on it for a period of perhaps 20 to 30 minutes without drifting from that one idea which opens up your mind to greater things. Others might listen to sounds of nature, like the sound of the ocean, chimes or even birds chirping and use those sounds to ultimately think differently about the thoughts of what bills need to be paid or what the medical report may have said or what Little Jonny did last night. Problams elapse every day and you never know what will be unraveled in the new 24 of time. But the calling of peace is always accessible if you want it. Meditations is a great weapon against the world and different methods of doing it can be accessed on the web or in many publications.

Letting Someone Else Do the Work

I understand, you are used to taking charge and doing everything on your own; especially if you want it done right. Nothing wrong with wanting things done a certain way.But how about while going over the documents that become exceptionally difficult to not take home to read and study, have a little fun.

You will be telling your body all the things it means to you as you sit in the massage chair at your nearest or favorite nail salon, letting the specialist tend to your nails and feet, like you deserve. Enjoy the simple ritual of beautifying those achy feet. Most nail salons have these state of the art chairs that are simply phenomenal; okay well, maybe not as great as the Phenomenal Woman that Maya Angelou describes in her poem, but it lies in the upper registry of favorites.

When you put these chairs into gear, they do a series of back massages that are so tender that can be compared to spa-like deep tissue massages. The relief of tension in the muscles in the pectoral fly, the spine or the lower back can be relieved and enhance feelings of joy.

Often times when sitting in these chairs and allowing the technicians to pamper you, it is like a powerless act of surrender. You simply begin to enjoy the experience. But sometimes that is all we need in our lives to acknowledge our humanness.We become so programmed to being silent lambs that we deny the tygers within. But sometimes we need to “frame that simple symmetry” (William Blake).

I’m telling you, the acknowledgments of our own selves, leaves a lasting mark. You can try to inch away from honoring your own temple, but when you deny rewarding yourself for all your hard work and for being that unique king or queen that you are, true internal peace may never settle within. These suggestions are not meant to change your life but to change your mind to higher echeclon thoughts that will hopefully help you to realize that you are royalty and deserve to claim your greatness, even if you are too busy to live. At least, I think, that is the way God intended life to be. If you are someone like me who works hard and needs me time sometimes, consider tasting the wild side.

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About Me

A Medgar Ever College Magna Cum Laude Graduate in English/Professional writing who loves to write and who is trying to expand on my abilities as a writer, in every sense of the word. Also a singer who writes songs. I enjoy being on stage and entertaining people. I love to have a good time and I enjoy being immersed in the processes that enables my talents to come alive.
Find me on Bloggers.com I also have a website which can be accessed by goign to http://www.jnotemusic.com